Five, Sony agree new VOD deal

Sony has reached an agreement with Five to make the broadcaster's on-demand content available on the forthcoming Bravia Internet Video platform.

Already launched in the US, the Bravia Internet Video service offers a range of on-demand content from providers such as Netflix and Sony Pictures. It also gives access to various websites, including YouTube and Wired.

The platform will be made available in the UK from early 2010, meaning owners of certain Sony Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players and home cinemas systems will be able to watch a range of Five programming via the product's in-built on-demand service.

Five director of strategy Charles Constable said: "It's vital for broadcasters and other industry stakeholders to explore such initiatives if they are to gain a solid footing in the digital world.

"As broadband content continues to grow in popularity, Five looks forward to working with Sony to explore and learn from the exciting opportunity to bring on-demand content to the television in the home. We believe this will help us to develop a real understanding of what convergence will mean in practice."

Sony UK head of category marketing Nicholas Barendson added: "In Europe and elsewhere, more people are watching videos on their PCs than ever before. This trend keeps growing and consumers are increasingly enjoying more on demand video online.

"However, watching full length TV programmes on a PC, hunched over a screen can be a solitary experience. Bringing on-demand IP content to the TV is allowing consumers to share these viewing experiences with a greater degree of ease and simplicity."